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Celebrating the life of Palma Christine Whitlow Kantsios.
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, March 2, 2026
WHEREAS, Palma Christine Whitlow Kantsios, a trailblazing public servant and beloved member of the Rich Creek community in Giles County, died on April 3, 2025; and
WHEREAS, Palma “Pam” Christine Whitlow Kantsios grew up in Giles County and attended Oakvale High School in nearby Princeton, West Virginia; she subsequently earned a GED and worked for several businesses in the area, including Maidenform and Celanese; and
WHEREAS, Pam Kantsios ultimately became the owner and manager of Riverview Restaurant, where she served delicious meals to locals and travelers and was well known as a cornerstone of community life for 38 years; and
WHEREAS, in 1982, Pam Kantsios made history as the first women elected to the Rich Creek Town Council, on which she served three terms; she was also the first woman to serve as vice mayor in town history; and
WHEREAS, Pam Kantsios further supported the community as a member of the Rich Creek Merchants Association, the Giles County Chamber of Commerce, and the Rich Creek Elementary School Parent Teacher Association; and
WHEREAS, Pam Kantsios was guided by her deep faith in all her actions; she was a member of Rich Creek United Methodist Church for more than 60 years, sitting on the board of trustees and holding leadership roles in multiple committees; and
WHEREAS, Pam Kantsios was a proud, longtime member of United Methodist Women and served as unit and district president multiple times; she served on the Tazewell District United Methodist Women's Mission Team and won the prestigious Hearts of Gold Award from the Holston United Methodist Women's Conference in 2002; and
WHEREAS, in 2024, Pam Kantsios became a charter member of Christ Family Fellowship, where she served as a mentor and prayer leader and offered her wise insights to the pastor relations and family outreach committees; and
WHEREAS, outside of her career and community service, Pam Kantsios enjoyed knitting handmade garments for premature babies and making hand-sewn christening gowns for babies; she was also a published writer who authored humorous and heartfelt short stories of life in the region; and
WHEREAS, among many accolades for her personal and professional achievements, Pam Kantsios was crowned as Ms. Rich Creek by the community in 1991; and
WHEREAS, predeceased by her first husband, James, and her second husband, Frank, Pam Kantsios will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by her children, Kathy, Helen, Tommy, George, and Billy, and their families, including 16 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren, as well as numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Delegates hereby note with great sadness the loss of Palma Christine Whitlow Kantsios, a pillar of the Rich Creek community; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Palma Christine Whitlow Kantsios as an expression of the House of Delegates' respect for her memory.